Joe Root takes advantage of relaxed tourists

Root turns the ball to leg on the way to his century, only the second first-class hundred of his careerTimes photographer,Graham Morris

NORTHAMPTON (final day of four): England Lions beat West Indies by ten wickets

The West Indians decided yesterday to prioritise fitness over preparation. After a short burst with the new ball, pace bowlers were stood down from action on the basis that avoiding bowling would also avoid risking more trouble with injures before the first Investec Test at Lord’s on Thursday.

Two Lions batsmen said “hear, hear” to the plan as Joe Root and Michael Carberry encountered less threat than they have met in county games this rainy season. They posted an unbroken first-wicket stand of 197, mostly against spin and the medium pace of Darren Bravo, who bowled for only the second time in his professional career.